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New Release Wine/OOS
Reviews for 2019

December 2019 - New Release Wine/OOS

December 2019 - New Release Wine/OOS
This month's Wine feature is New Release Wines

New Release Wine/OOS Reviews

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Mario Bazán 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
93 points
$75
Mario Bazán
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
Black violet color. Aromas and flavors of berry mousse, kirsch, pencil shavings, dark chocolate, and hazelnut creme with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium-full body and a warming, complex, medium-long finish with notes of mocha latte with moderate oak flavor. A concentrated and stylish Napa Cabernet with big, candied fruit and luxurious oak.
93 points $75
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Date Tasted:
Point of the Bluff Vineyards 2016 Dry Riesling
92 points
$19
Best Buy
Point of the Bluff Vineyards
2016 Dry Riesling
Straw green color. Aromas of pineapple glaze, ripe peach, hints of rambutan, rubber band, and flint with a satiny, lively, dryish light-to-medium body and a smooth, complex, medium-long sweet ginger, white tea, and pickled yellow bell pepper finish with no oak flavor. A fresh and outgoing Riesling with great concentration and length; will garner more elegance with cellar time.
92 points $19 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Proverbial 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points
$20
Best Buy
Proverbial
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
Ruby black color. Toasty aromas and flavors of nut brittle, berry pie crust, chocolate dried apricot, and dusty oak with a silky, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and an even, interesting, medium-long finish with impressions of cassis jam on raisin toast and baking spices with chewy, well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A rich, chewy, mouthwatering cabernet finely tuned for the table.
92 points $20 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
San Simeon 2018 Viognier
92 points
$25
San Simeon
2018 Viognier
Straw color. Attractive, fruity aromas and flavors of peach cobbler a la mode, orange sorbet, and banana and jasmine blossoms with a satiny, bright, fruity medium-to-full body and a seamless, distinctive, long finish with accents of Dreamsicle bar, dried apricot, and pineapple with no oak flavor. A wonderfully vibrant and flavor-packed Viognier that is sure to please.
92 points $25
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Date Tasted:
San Simeon 2017 Syrah
92 points
$30
San Simeon
2017 Syrah
Black violet color. Aromas and flavors of plum pie, graphite, singed graham cracker crust, and black olives with a round, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a warming, long finish with notes of jam, peanut brittle, and black pepper. A bold, jammy Syrah for rich pairings.
92 points $30
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Date Tasted:
Lorenzi Estate 2016 Extended Aging Reserve Zinfandel
92 points
$55
Lorenzi Estate
2016 Extended Aging Reserve Zinfandel
Ruby color. Aromas and flavors of sun dried raspberry, spice cookies, coconut, candied ginger, and vanilla bean with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, complex, medium-long finish with accents of milk chocolate and lemon curd with medium tannins and moderate oak flavor. A one-of-a-kind Zinfandel with intriguing spicy flavors and big, creamy oak.
92 points $55
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Date Tasted:
Crane Family Vineyards 2014 Cavaliere Napa Valley
92 points
$75
Crane Family Vineyards
2014 Cavaliere Napa Valley
Violet color. Aromas and flavors of granola flax and nut bar, dried berries, pepper and olive relish, and delicate blossoms with a silky, bright, fruity medium-to-full body and a seamless, interesting, long finish revealing notes of cassis pie a la mode, black raspberry jam, spiced honey, and sweet tobacco with well-integrated, fine tannins and moderate oak flavor. An elegantly polished, fruit-forward Napa cabernet that hits all the right notes.
92 points $75
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Date Tasted:
Mario Bazán 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points
$75
Mario Bazán
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Black garnet color. Aromas of black cassis, toasted coconut, espresso beans, bell pepper, and coriander seed with a round, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a graceful, complex, long plum tart, cola, vanilla custard, and toasty waffles finish with moderate oak flavor. A firm and table-friendly Napa cabernet with style and grace.
92 points $75
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Date Tasted:
Lorenzi Estate 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
91 points
$75
Lorenzi Estate
2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark burnt sienna color. Aromas and flavors of peppered beets, raspberry relish, orange creamsicle, and fresh mint with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a warming, appealing, medium-long finish evoking suggestions of dried berries and pink peppercorns with well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A stylish Temecula Cabernet Sauvignon with a delicious balance of fruity and earthy flavors.
91 points $75
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Date Tasted:
Car Men Air 2018 Carmenere
90 points
$12.99
Best Buy
Car Men Air
2018 Carmenere
Garnet black color. Aromas of chocolate, roasted figs and dates, fire-roasted mixed bell pepper, and peppercorns with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and an effortless, charming, medium-long pickled blackberries and grilled bread finish with well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A wide-appealing Carmenère with an alluring nose; great for steaks.
90 points $12.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Point of the Bluff Vineyards 2016 Semi-Dry Riesling
90 points
$13
Best Buy
Point of the Bluff Vineyards
2016 Semi-Dry Riesling
Straw green color. Aromas of starfruit, fruit cup, hint of brioche, and white flowers with a satiny, lively, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, refreshing, medium-length peach tea, guava and sugared lemons finish with no oak flavor. A juicy, fruity Riesling with great style.
90 points $13 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Oak Farm Vineyards 2017 Barbera
90 points
$25
Oak Farm Vineyards
2017 Barbera
Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate silk pie, raspberry preserves, caramel latte, and sticky toffee pudding with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long finish with light oak flavor. A luscious, juicy, fruit-forward wine that will appeal to red blend lovers.
90 points $25
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Date Tasted:
Windstream 2017 Sarmento Vineyard Chardonnay
90 points
$30
Windstream
2017 Sarmento Vineyard Chardonnay
Bright light gold color. Aromas and flavors of bruleed grapefruit, brown butter, sugar cookies, and roasted pineapple with a satiny, lively, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, delightful, medium-long finish conveying elements of coconut cream, dulce de leche, brunost, and roasted almonds with coating tannins. A delectable Chardonnay that offers a rich and mouth-filling experience.
90 points $30
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Date Tasted:
Opaque 2016 Malbec
90 points
$40
Opaque
2016 Malbec
Black garnet color. Jammy aromas of vanilla soft serve, blueberry coulis, maple, sweet potato pie, clove, and anise with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and an effortless, captivating, medium-length plum pastry and caramel buttercream finish with light oak flavor. A full-flavor Malbec with generous notes of baked fruit; give this time to open up.
90 points $40
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Date Tasted:
Opaque 2016 Petit Verdot
90 points
$40
Opaque
2016 Petit Verdot
Black violet color. Aromas of plum tart, lavender, black tea, dark chocolate, and clove with a tannic, crisp, bone-dry medium-full body and a peppery, medium-length graphite finish with firm, chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A bold and chewy red for the richest meals.
90 points $40
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Date Tasted:
Lorenzi Estate 2016 Los Cojones Block Syrah
90 points
$55
Lorenzi Estate
2016 Los Cojones Block Syrah
Violet color. Aromas and flavors of sour cherries, black pepper, red licorice, and star anise with a velvety, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a peppery, intriguing, medium-length finish with nuances of chocolate-covered coconut macaroon and pepper jelly with firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. A peppery and distinctive Syrah with an outgoing personality.
90 points $55
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Date Tasted:
Crane Family Vineyards 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
90 points
$65
Crane Family Vineyards
2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep purple color. Inviting aromas and flavors of dark chocolate mousse, gherkin, cassis tart, and dusty cedar chest with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a tingling, distinctive, very long finish with notes of honeyed currants, chocolate, and bananas foster with chewy, well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A rich, coating cabernet with penetrating berry flavors and supporting oak.
90 points $65
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Date Tasted:
PKNT 2019 Private Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
89 points
$9.99
PKNT
2019 Private Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
Yellow straw color. Fruity aromas and flavors of passion fruit, under-ripe pineapple, pickled yellow bell peppers, white tea, and flint with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and an effortless, appealing, medium-length finish with no oak flavor. A flavor-packed palate-pleaser with intense fruit and mouthwatering acidity.
89 points $9.99
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Date Tasted:
Oak Farm Vineyards 2018 Chardonnay
89 points
$22
Oak Farm Vineyards
2018 Chardonnay
Golden straw color. Aromas and flavors of butter-poached pineapple, lemon curd, spiced popcorn, and banana pie with a satiny, bright, fruity medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length finish evoking impressions of honey bun, roasted nuts, and vanilla taffy with coating tannins and moderate oak flavor. A rich and roasty Chardonnay with lots of appeal.
89 points $22
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Date Tasted:
Lorenzi Estate 2016 The Seven Cabernet Sauvignon
89 points
$95
Lorenzi Estate
2016 The Seven Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark burnt sienna color. Aromas and flavors of cinnamon raisin toast, apricot preserves, smoked almonds, and molasses with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, charming, medium-length finish with moderate oak flavor. Hot-climate wine lovers should seek out this baked and bold cabernet for rich notes of dried fruit and sweet spices.
89 points $95
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Date Tasted:
Oak Farm Vineyards 2018 Albarino
88 points
$19
Oak Farm Vineyards
2018 Albarino
Emerald straw color. Aromas of white grape, apricot jelly, bruleed lime, banana chips, and turmeric with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, breezy poached pear and minerals finish with no oak flavor. A juicy white with wide appeal.
88 points $19
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Date Tasted:
Maddalena 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
88 points
$25
Maddalena
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Nearly opaque black violet color. Aromas and flavors of blackberries, pomegranate, red plum, violet, and pastry crust with a velvety, crisp, fruity medium-full body and an interesting, medium-long finish. A dense Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of rich baked fruit and flaky pastry.
88 points $25
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Date Tasted:
Oak Farm Vineyards 2017 Petit Verdot
88 points
$35
Oak Farm Vineyards
2017 Petit Verdot
Black violet color. Creamy aromas of berry jam, scented candle, vanilla bean, cafe latte, and flan with a slightly chewy, crisp, fruity full body and a warming, captivating, medium-length toasted pound cake and caramel finish with heavy oak flavor. A full-bodied red with rich toasty notes; an easy-drinking example of a bold wine.
88 points $35
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Date Tasted:
San Simeon 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
88 points
$35
San Simeon
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate-cherry cookie, mixed berry cobbler, rooibos tea, and graphite with a supple, vibrant, fruity medium-full body and a smooth, intriguing, medium-length finish. A fruit-packed Paso Cab with a toasty, chocolatey center and lipsmacking acidity.
88 points $35
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Date Tasted:
California Republic 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
87 points
$18
California Republic
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark dusty garnet color. Aromas of grilled spiced nuts, black toast, plum preserves, peppercorns, and pencil shavings with a satiny, crisp, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, medium-length cherry jam and custard finish with woody tannins and moderate oak flavor. A dry and oaky Cab that satisfies.
87 points $18
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Date Tasted:
Point of the Bluff Vineyards 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
87 points
$30
Point of the Bluff Vineyards
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark violet color. Aromas of rich plum pie, black olives, sarsaparilla, vanilla gelato, cedar, and new leather with a satiny, lively, fruity medium-to-full body and an even, interesting, medium-long sour plum finish with moderate oak flavor. A bold and spicy Cabernet Sauvignon that will be a lovely complement to food.
87 points $30
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Date Tasted:
San Simeon 2016 Petite Sirah
87 points
$30
San Simeon
2016 Petite Sirah
Nearly opaque black violet color. Aromas and flavors of stewed blackberries, vanilla sugar, violet, and teriyaki with a chewy, crisp, full body and a peppery, engaging, medium-length finish displaying notes of pomegranate, baking spices. A bold and chewy Petite Sirah that packs a punch.
87 points $30
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Date Tasted:
Point of the Bluff Vineyards 2018 Cabernet Franc
86 points
$20
Point of the Bluff Vineyards
2018 Cabernet Franc
Black ruby color. Aromas and flavors of black tea, oatmeal, chocolate drizzled dates, ripe black cherries and cassis, and toast with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity medium body and a delightful, medium-length finish with light oak flavor. A lighter-bodied, upbeat Cabernet Franc that will pair so well with charcuterie.
86 points $20
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Date Tasted:
Henry Estate 2016 Scott Henry III Gewurztraminer
86 points
$22
Henry Estate
2016 Scott Henry III Gewurztraminer
Yellow color. Candied aromas and flavors of candied lychee, grapefruit-rosemary marmalade, iris, lime gummies, and honey with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a seamless, delightful, medium-length finish with elements of tangerine with no oak flavor. Vividly floral with notes of succulent fruit, this dry gewurztraminer is a great choice to pair with Mexican cuisine.
86 points $22
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Date Tasted:
Oak Farm Vineyards 2018 Tievoli Red Blend Lodi
86 points
$22
Oak Farm Vineyards
2018 Tievoli Red Blend Lodi
Garnet black color. Aromas of raspberry and blackberry jam and snickerdoodle cookie with a satiny, crisp, fruity medium body and a tingling, breezy berry custard and strawberry-rhubarb pie finish with light oak flavor. A jammy red blend for anytime enjoyment; lighthearted.
86 points $22
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Date Tasted:
Contempo NV Prosecco DOC
85 points
$10
Contempo
NV Prosecco DOC
Pale straw color. Aromas and flavors of ripe pear, dried pineapple, apricots, and honeycomb with a bright, spritzy, dryish light body and a smooth, brisk finish with notes of green apricot, lime sorbet, and ginger ale with no oak flavor. A cheerful, fruity Prosecco for holiday cocktail topping.
85 points $10
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Date Tasted:
Point of the Bluff Vineyards 2017 Chardonnay
85 points
$13
Point of the Bluff Vineyards
2017 Chardonnay
White gold color. Aromas of green apples and cream with a soft, dryish thin body and a smooth, brisk green pineapple finish with no oak flavor. An easy-drinking Chardonnay to serve with a good chill.
85 points $13
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Date Tasted:
Member’s Mark Margarita Wine Cocktail
84 points
$8.98
Member’s Mark
Margarita Wine Cocktail
Yellow straw color. Citrusy aromas and flavors of lime sherbet and custard and hint of candied yams with a silky, crisp, moderately sweet medium body and a silky, carefree finish with notes of lime pie with graham cracker crust and lemon mousse. A tasty, easy drinking margarita for carefree enjoyment.
84 points $8.98
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Date Tasted:
DoubleLife NV Temptation Red Blend American
84 points
$12
DoubleLife
NV Temptation Red Blend American
Indigo color. Fruity aromas and flavors of grape jelly, blueberry muffin, ripe apple, and butter-pecan with a supple, bright, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, crisp finish. A ripe, fruit-forward red for casual get-togethers.
84 points $12
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Date Tasted:
DoubleLife NV Naughty Red Blend American
84 points
$12
DoubleLife
NV Naughty Red Blend American
Black ruby color. Aromas and flavors of baked plum, stewed figs, raisins, sun dried tomato, and focaccia with a supple, bright, fruity medium-to-full body and a sleek, snappy finish. A ripe, richly fruity red for fans of hot-climate wines.
84 points $12
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Date Tasted:
Proverbial 2016 Malbec
84 points
$17
Proverbial
2016 Malbec
Brown brick red color. Aromas and flavors of dark berry tart, caramel green apple, chocolate coconut bar, and cedar with a supple, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a breezy finish with overtones of cedar pencil shavings and blood orange with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A bright, table-friendly malbec that will complement a rich meaty meal.
84 points $17
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Date Tasted:
California Republic 2018 Chardonnay
84 points
$18
California Republic
2018 Chardonnay
Light gold color. Oaky aromas and flavors of toasted pound cake, sliced apples in caramel creme, pineapple-coconut smoothie, and vanilla creme cookies with a velvety, vibrant, dryish light-to-medium body and a warming, medium-length finish with moderate oak flavor. A crowd-pleasing Chardonnay.
84 points $18
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Date Tasted:
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